The pros, as discussed above, with a detachable towbar are that it can be relatively easily detached when towing is not required. This video from Brink shows the different types of towbars available When A Towbar/Towball Is Not Suitable For Towing

When vehicles with a trailer hitch are damaged at the rear it is likely that the towbar has also been damaged through overloading. This can often be detected by a permanent deformation to the towbar. Other signs that indicate damage include surface damage, unusual notches or distortions in the attachment area or in towbars with a detachable towball too much free play of the removable part. With regards to the cons of a detachable towbar over a fixed towbar, you are going to have to pay a bit more for the privilege. However, the video also discusses something very important when a towbar is not actually suitable/capable of towing. However, there is an advantage of a bolt-on towball, as I discuss in my caravan tips post, as you can fit a bumper protector plate:However, even manufacturers such as Ford are now offering the option of an electronic deployable towbar. You can see an example of such a manual deployable towbar in the Brink video at the start of this post. However, the true ‘poshest’ option is to have an electric motorised deployable towbar. THE DIODE TEST PLUG THAT I AM USING TO INSPECT THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LIGHTS UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. WHAT CAN I DO?

Earlier in the post, I mentioned we use our tow car for trailers as well as our caravan. Well, trailers are not typically fitted with friction pad stabilisers, they have greased tow hitches. The C2 lights are generally included with the cable bundle. However with Top Tronic systems, they are not required and are therefore not included. AFTER INSTALLING A TOP TRONIC SYSTEM, MY TURN SIGNALS NO LONGER FUNCTION PROPERLY ON THE TRAILER AND AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. That’s obviously subjective, but it does serve a purpose. We have a bumper protector plate fitted to our bolt-on towbar. As you can see from the video above, with the Witter detachable towbar, a spring pin fixes the towbar into the car.

Skoda

Furthermore, while the condition of any type of towbar should be inspected. With a detached towbar, it will require a bit more attention.